Motor vehicle

A car, truck, motor bike, tractor, trailer, caravan or other property that:

• has one or more motors with total power greater than 200 W or capable of propelling the property to speeds of at least 10km/h, or
• is capable, when being towed or attached to a motor vehicle, of travelling at a speed greater than 10 km/h

and which has a vehicle identification number, a chassis number, or a manufacturer's number.

Starting on 1 July 2014, an amendment to sub-regulation 1.7(2) of the Personal Property Securities Regulations 2010 will narrow the definition of motor vehicle for the purposes of the PPS Act. The definition will apply to security interests (including PPS Leases) entered into on or after 1 July 2014. This will normally include, for example, leases entered into on or after 1 July 2014 even if they involve terms established under an earlier general agreement with a lessor.

Property is a motor vehicle under the PPS Act if it is built to be propelled wholly on land by a motor that forms part of it (but not if it runs on rails, tram lines or other fixed path), has a unique serial number and:

• up to the end of 30 June 2014 (the old definition) is also capable of travelling at more than 10km/hr OR has a total motor power greater than 200W.
• starting on 1 July 2014 (the new definition) the property is also capable of travelling at more than 10km/hr AND has a total motor power greater than 200W.

Regulation 1.7(3) will not change, so some types of property with a serial number and wheels that are built to be towed at more than 10km/h will still be a motor vehicle. Examples include caravans and trailers.